2 Gibsons Road, Figtree NSW 2525 Ph: 4271 2787 Fax: 4271 6626 Email: [email protected]

Coming Events Welcome to our newly appointed staff: rd Week 2 (B) Beginning Monday 3 February - Ms Deborah Steel, Head Teacher, Human Society and 7.2.14 School Photos Yrs 7, 8, and 9 Its Environment (HSIE) 7.2.14 UOW Discovery Day for Yr 12 students - Ms Vanessa Glasgow, Head Teacher, Teaching and th Week 3 (A) Beginning Monday 10 February Learning 10.2.14 School Photos Years 10, 11, 12, SRC, - Ms Libby Monro, teacher Special Education Families and Groups - Ms Lynn Hall, School Learning Support Officer 10.2.14 Korean Homestay Visit begins for the next - Ms Abbey Munro, teacher English (commencing 21 10 days February) 11.2.14 HSC Drama Excursion – Ruby Moon - Ms Mary Idziak, school counsellor 13.2.14 Excursion to Kiama and Illawarra Fly for Korean students and homestay billets Congratulations to Ms Jenny English, Head teacher 14.2.14 School Swimming Carnival at Western Science who has been seconded to DEC Warilla Office as Suburbs Pool relieving Teacher Quality Officer for Term 1, 2014. Mr Week 4 (B) Beginning Monday 17th February Ben Hudson will be relieving Head Teacher Science. 17.2.14 Year 12 VET Work Placement week commences Ms Gloria Roche, Head Teacher, Creative Arts is on leave 18.2.14 Excursion to Symbio Wildlife Park for and Ms Amanda Buxton is relieving Head Teacher, Korean students and homestay billets Creative Arts. Ms Karran Williamson, Head Teacher 19.2.14 Excursion to Jamberoo Action Park for Secondary Studies remains seconded to Five Islands Korean students and homestay billets 21.2.14 Zone Swimming Carnival – Corrimal Pool Secondary College and Ms Julie Liddle is relieving Head Teacher Secondary Studies for 2014. These teachers will be employed for teaching blocks at

various times throughout Term 1: Ms Carolyn Meleka - Science, Ms Natalie Green - Visual Art, Ms Eve Schroder PRINCIPAL’S REPORT - Music and Mr Loucas Kyriacou - Special Education and Ms Natalie Tomic – Science. During the last six months of 2013 I had the The Australian Curriculum has been implemented in the opportunity to relieve as Director NSW Public Schools areas of; English, Mathematics, Science and History for Wollongong Network. It was a very rewarding position Stages 4 and 5. The staff at Figtree High School will and I was honoured to work with the many talented continue to undertake professional learning in the and dedicated educationalists in the Illawarra. implementation of the new syllabus documents Ms Debbie Lowe is the substantive Director NSW Public throughout 2014. Schools Wollongong North Network commencing in There will be a Curriculum Network Illawarra Staff 2014. Ms Lowe will be located at the DEC Warilla Development Day Term 2 that will provide the Office. I welcome her expertise, advice and input into opportunity for staff from across the Illawarra to meet educational matters related to Figtree High School. and cooperatively develop and discuss curriculum and It has been a very smooth organisational start to 2014. programs. The students and staff have embraced the new school I look forward to meeting and/or speaking with parents year with energy and enthusiasm. and community members in 2014.

Carol Marshman Principal

Figtree High School – Core Values: Safety – travelling to and from school Figtree High School is very fortunate to have traffic lights Respect, Safety and Learning at the front entrance to ensure student safety for road crossings. Gibsons road is very busy with buses, cars and Respect – Interpersonal and online relationships pedestrians, particularly at the end of the school day. At Figtree High School, we have clear expectations about Students who have to cross Gibsons road need to use the student’s behaviour and explicitly teach and model traffic lights at the front of the school. This ensures their behaviours that reinforce our core value of Respect. own safety and the safety of other members of the In all settings in our school environment, respect looks school community. Parents are asked to remind their like; children about using this crossing and the risks involved - Being tolerant of others in crossing the road by stepping out between parked cars - Accepting individual differences and buses. Students who walk or ride home and travel - Caring for self, others and the environment south along the Princes Highway are also asked to cross - Using appropriate language the road at the traffic lights infront of the school instead of at the round-a-bout on the Princes Highway, which is When students leave school at the end of the day, we very busy after school finishes. continue to expect that students will make decisions and continue to interact with their peers in a way that Learning – packing the essentials for school is respectful. The online environment and social media A key for enhancing learning is ensuring that students provide challenges for young people. There are a are well organised for school. Students should have range of social media applications (eg. Facebook, appropriate resources for each of their subjects and Snapchat, ask.fm, Instagram) where students can bring these for lessons. A pencil case with writing upload content, comment on other people’s posts, materials, calculator, ruler, highlighters, sharpener, share content, connect with people that they don’t scissors and glue are needed each day. Students should personally know and save content that other people have an exercise book for each of their subjects, unless post. otherwise instructed from their teacher (eg. teacher supplies the learning workbook). Students need several There is a range of information on the internet to copies of their school timetable – at least one for school provide both young people and their parents with tips and one for home. A diary to organise work for living in a social media rich world. The following requirements is needed, this enables both parents and excerpt was taken from the Cyber Smart website; students to monitor homework and assignment due dates, to reduce the chance of students losing Know the basics of safe social networking assessment marks because of the late submission of set - Limit your friend list – don’t friend random people tasks. - Protect your privacy – don’t share your password and set your profile to private Technology tools are available to assist parents in - Your personal details are valuable – don’t share them supporting their child to enhance their learning and - Protect your reputation – keep it clean and ask achievement at school. The Department of Education yourself: would you want others to see what you and Communities has a website for this purpose, upload? http://www.schoolatoz.nsw.edu.au and the resources - Be careful who you trust – a person can pretend to be are in the free ‘schoolatoz’ app in the App store. someone they are not - Don’t use a webcam with people you do not know All students should be engaged in some form of - Think before you post, chat, upload or download homework throughout each school week, to improve their learning and achievement. This can be homework This is a fantastic site for both parents and young assigned by the teacher or ‘self directed’ homework, people and can be found at where a student reviews their understanding of a topic http://www.cybersmart.gov.au/ by reading through their school book and making summary or study notes on the particular topic to achieve to their potential and develop skills for lifelong learning.

Ellie Donovan Deputy Principal

Attendance Improves Student Learning climate change, nanotechnology and zoology, to name a few. However the NYSF is not entirely science orientated, It has been fantastic to see our students return to school with activities such as cultural site visits, bush dancing with a healthy enthusiasm for the new school year. We and the concert designed for leisure and getting to take this opportunity to remind parents that students are know each other. Living with 150 people from all over expected to be at school for every day that the school is Australia and the world can have its difficulties. But open. Parents can apply for leave for their child if they for me, it is this mix of talents, abilities and are sick, injured or need to attend a medical appointment. personalities I will miss the most. If a student is late to school, needs to leave early or is absent from school, parents/carers are required to provide a note of explanation. The school has booklets for this purpose available at the front office, Deputy Principals and Year Advisors. These booklets were distributed to students at the Year Assembly on their first day this year.

Where possible, we ask that parents make appointments for their children before or after school hours, so that their learning is not interrupted. This also applies for A snapshot from Michael Valceski: What I can definitely Wednesday afternoon sport sessions. The Department of say about NYSF without a doubt is that it was the best Education and Communities mandates that students experience of my life! It was so much fun and a real life- MUST attend and participate in sport, unless they are altering experience! I learnt so many valuable lessons. I granted an exemption, due to medical reasons. The particularly learnt to be passionate in whatever I do, and number of students requesting leave on a Wednesday that if I’m passionate, I’ll always find a way to achieve it afternoon during sport time began to increase last year, in the end. I also learnt really useful life skills such a so we take this opportunity to remind parents that Sport public speaking, body language, organisation and is a compulsory learning activity in the week that students leadership skills. must attend on a regular basis. I also had such a wonderful time meeting so many new The National Youth Science Forum people there, including some of the best scientists in the country! I’m certain that I have made friends for life! Two of our year 12 students, Savannah Reali and Michael What’s more, is that I got to do so many fun activities Valceski attended the National Youth Science Forum like a bush dance, a disco, a concert, and even two (NYSF). This is a 12 day program aimed at inspiring and dinners with Rotarians (from Rotary Australia) and encouraging Year 12 students wishing to pursue careers in scientists! Between that, and going to see real science science. It gives students the opportunity to experience a labs, having a live video conference with a major range of different science fields through lab visits, lectures scientist at CERN Switzerland, seeing images of the Mars and debates on global scientific issues. Rover at the NASA Deep Space Communication’s Centre A snapshot from Savannah Reali: As far as science goes, in Canberra, and going on a real fossil hunt (I even got to as part of the chemistry group, I found myself gaining keep some fossils), I had an amazing time being with so knowledge and experience in a range of different areas of many like-minded people. chemistry, and conducting engaging experiments such as blueprinting, making slime and liquid nitrogen ice cream! As well as the lab visits; we had forums on areas like decomposition chemistry,

Project Unite – A Wests Illawarra and WAVE FM It would be fantastic for our students to be recognised Community Initiative for their outstanding achievements in 2013 within our broader school community. If parents or students Wests Illawarra Leagues Club coordinate the Project Unite - would like further information or support from the Youth Achievement Awards. The nominations for these school to nominate for these awards, please contact awards are now open. Nominations for these awards are your child’s Year Adviser or Deputy Principal. completed online by young people. The school is happy to provide support to any student who is interested in nominating for one of the 5 award categories. There are 5 award categories; PBS VALUES - Citizenship - Academic Excellence WEEK 3: RESPECT - Achievement in the Arts and Digital Media - Special Achievement When entering and leaving the school, obey - Sports Achievement community rules and laws.

WEEK 4: LEARNING

We have a number of students who have excelled in these Be an active listener during assembly areas in 2013 and would like to see our students recognised at the Youth Achievement Awards 2014 Gala Dinner Presentation on Friday 28th March. In 2013, two of our Year 10 students, Rachel Watson and Amy Pryor were recognised, with Rachel Watson winning the Encouragement award for Achievement in the Arts and Do we have your current contact Digital Media. details?

Have you moved? Changed phone numbers? New email address?

It is important that the school has the correct contact details for parents/carers of our students, this includes Emergency Contacts. If you have changed your address, phone number or email address, or your Emergency Contacts details please let us know. You will find a “Change of Personal Details” form on the last page of this newsletter. Please complete this form if any of your details have changed, and either have your child return it to the office, or email this form to the school email address: figtree- [email protected]

Don’t miss out on your chance to win your share in over

$20 000 worth of cash and prizes! Apply now for this years Wests Illawarra WAVE FM Youth Achievement Awards by going to www.westsillawarra.com.au , clicking on ‘Project Unite’ and then the “Youth Achievement Awards’. The th nominations close on Friday 14 February.

Holiday Sporting Success for Figtree HS School Uniform

Dylan Rower from Year 10 was The school has two suppliers for our School Uniform, selected in the Country NSW Lowes at Westfield Figtree and Poppets Direct, who U16 baseball team last year and have a warehouse outlet in Montague Street, Fairy after many months of training Meadow and the Crystal Bears Store in Dapto Mall. and trial games, the team Girls have the option to wear the school skirt or our played in the National Youth approved school shorts. The school uniform shorts for Championships in Blacktown in girls are mid-thigh length, plain navy, with no logos, January. Dylan’s team WON the pleats or cuffs. Our uniform suppliers have our girl’s National Championships, shorts in stock. We seek our parents support in beating the favoured NSW City ensuring that girls are wearing the approved school

Team. Congratulations Dylan! uniform shorts. Daniel Pelaez from Year 9 was If a student is out of uniform, they need to provide a

recently recognised for his note from a parent/carer to explain why they are outstanding achievements in unable to wear their correct uniform. If you require Gymnastics in 2013. Daniel was assistance with uniforms, please contact Mrs Borst at one of only four boys nominated the school. for the NSW Men’s Artistic Junior Students Senior Students Gymnastics Junior Levels Athlete of the Year. Congratulations Daniel !

Congratulations to Caitlin Smith from Year 10 who recently swam at the NSW State Age Swimming Championships, competing in 15 races and swimming in 8 finals. Caitlin finished 5th in the 400m and 800m freestyle, swam 8 personal best times in individual events, and she qualified for the Australian Age Swimming Championships to be held in Sydney in April. Congratulations to Wesley Roberts from Year 12 who also swam at the NSW State Age Swimming Championships, competing in 8 races and swimming in 4 finals. Wes finished 9th in the 200m and 400m freestyle, Footwear swam 6 personal best times in individual events, and he Our school uniform includes ALL BLACK fully enclosed qualified for the Australian Age Swimming leather, leatherette or suede shoes. This is to ensure Championships in April. that students meet the appropriate Work Health and Congratulations to Jason Vugrek from Year 7 who swam Safety requirements while they are at school. On at the NSW State Age Swimming Championships, Wednesdays, students are able to wear their sports competing in 5 races. Jason swam 2 personal best times shoes to school, but must ensure that they have their in individual events. fully enclosed leather, leatherette or suede shoes if Congratulations to Jade Gray from Year 8 and Daniel students have a practical based lesson (Science/ Gray from Year 7 who both swam at the NSW State Age TAS/Visual Arts) during the day. Swimming Championships in three relay teams for Wests Illawarra Aquatic, including their age and an open relay. Congratulations to Lachlan Nardone from Year 9 who participated in the Flying Ants Schiff National Sailing Championships held at the Port Melbourne Yacht Club on 4 – 9th January, 2014. Lachlan won this event and is now the Australian National Champion. Congratulations to our HSIE Teacher Mr Joseph who recently swam in the Cole Classic 2km swim from Manly to Shelly Beach. Mr Joseph finished 3rd in his age category. With some local ocean swims coming up over the next few months, we wish Mr Joseph every success in future ocean swim events. Roll Call Teachers and Supervising Head Teachers monitor student’s uniform each morning.

School Sport FIGTREE HIGH SCHOOL

Welcome back to another year at Figtree High School. SWIMMING CARNIVAL Last year was a very successful year for us in terms of sporting achievements. This year we hope to continue Attendance: and improve on this success.  It is compulsory for all ( Years 7-12) students to attend the carnival Over the Christmas break we had a number of students  All students who have passed the Aquatic Skills compete in a variety of sporting activities. We would love test must enter a minimum of 2 events. to hear about all our student’s achievements, so please feel free to send us an email and we will include it in our When: Friday 14th February, 2014 newsletter so that we can celebrate our student’s success Where: Western Suburbs Pool within our school community. Time: 8.40am – 2.40pm

This term is a very busy term in regards to South Coast Information:  trials. If your son/daughter wishes to take part in these Students make their own way to the pool and need to wait outside the pool until directed in trials they must see Mrs Markham in the PE staffroom to by Figtree High School Staff. be given the permission notes and information. In weeks  Roll Call will be at the pool at 8.40am. 2 and 3 we have the following trials  Students will be dismissed from the pool at 2.40pm (this allows time for students to return  Girls Tennis to school to catch normal buses). There will be  Boys Baseball no teacher supervision of students returning to  Girls Basketball school.  15 years boys tennis  Students are not required to wear school  Volleyball uniform but must wear sensible clothing for the conditions. It is strongly advised to wear a hat  Boys Basketball and bring sunscreen.  The canteen will be available at the pool. In week 4 the following trials are  The carnival will go ahead even if it is raining.  Open boys tennis  There will be NO ‘Free Swimming’ time and NO ball games will be allowed on the grassed  15 years touch. areas. Summer School sport started on Wednesday the 5th Early Departure February and will continue for all of term 1. Pass Outs will not be issued on the day. Students I would like to remind parents and students that needing to leave early must obtain permission from Wednesday afternoon sport is compulsory. If an their Deputy Principal prior to Friday 14th February, appointment is necessary on a Wednesday afternoon 2014. please follow the regular school pass out processes. Parents are asked to make appointments outside of school hours whenever possible. Sport Uniform

Due to the logistics of organising school sport and the The school sport uniform ongoing cost of buses, if a student has 2 early leave is available through the passes or absences on a Wednesday they may be school. Students pay for required to select a school based activity. their uniform at the office and take their receipt to the PE staffroom to collect their Ms Tanya Markham uniform. Sports Organiser Shirts - $33.00 Shorts - $22.00 Hats - $12.00

Un iversity of Wollongong (UOW) Discovery I hope all our TVET students have a very positive Day 2014 experience and enjoy the courses being studied.

Discovery Day at the University of Wollongong will Mr Sargent –Wilson be held on Friday 7th February for Figtree High students. Over 70 of our Year 12 students will be STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE COUNCIL (SRC) -2014 attending and each student will be given the opportunity to see what it’s like to be a University The elections for 2014 SRC Representatives, student by attending seminars, lectures and Captains and Executive were held at school last enjoying some social activities. The feedback I have year. All candidates gave thoughtful speeches and received from past Year 12 students was very should be congratulated on their efforts. It is positive and many have indicated a preference for gratifying to see so many students being willing to The University of Wollongong for study. take on these positions of leadership within the

school. The position of student leader is a very All students who are attending the day are to arrive at UOW by 8.45am on Friday so that registration important one. Student leaders must be friendly, can run smoothly. Registration is in the University helpful and hardworking. They must be able to Hall and students should register by their last speak confidently and be courteous to school name. They will be given their timetable at visitors and assist with assemblies, on special registration. The timetables have been made occasions and at SRC meetings. Above all they must according to their original ‘sign up’ online. Parking demonstrate pride in themselves and their school, is on the other side of the campus in the South Western or Western carparks. Allow 10 mins to lead by example and always give their best efforts walk across to the University Hall. in school work and behaviour.

Students should bring sunscreen, a hat and their The SRC representatives for 2014 are: lunch – or money to buy lunch from the food Year 8 outlets on campus (and, probably an umbrella just Payton Williams, Jemma Gourlay, Jayden Brown & in case!). Rory Benuik Year 9 Mr Sargent-Wilson Heather Oakley, Taranom Rahmani, Xoese Attipoe & Ebony Tasker TVET STUDENTS Year 10 Jessica Jauleska, Victoria Liddle, Stephanie Black & This year has seen a marked increase in the Matthew MacGregor numbers of students who are undertaking Year 11 vocationally orientated courses at TAFE. We Ben Kuzman, Elsie Croker, Amy Pryor, Jason Rees, currently have 17 Year 12 students and 35 Year 11 Bainous Dumbaya students studying a range of subjects from Beauty Presidents – Jelena Zaric & Daniel Lucas Therapy and Hairdressing to Plumbing, Animal Care, Treasurer – Karlee McNamara Child Studies, Games Design, Electrotechnology and Secretary – Chloe Jovanovska Construction to name a few. Year 12 Andrew Bailey, Sarah Bailey, Georgia Clark, I would remind our parents of students undertaking Marina Borovickic & Brad Heino these courses that regular attendance is vital and Captains –Cassandra Kelly & Mitchell Ivaneza that TAFE will inform the school of any student who is not fulfilling their responsibility in this regard. All A special induction ceremony will be held early in TVET students have been given a TAFE I.D. card and Term 1. are expected to follow the strict guidelines of signing in and out of the school as they move off to the various TAFE campuses throughout the Illawarra.

In order to plan for the future endeavours of the ADVERTISING AND PUBLIC Figtree High School SRC, a planning day will be held which takes SRC members out of class for one day to INFORMATION the University of Wollongong. A morning tea and lunch will be provided for the students. Students will have the opportunity to hear from prominent SALE OF COFFEE MACHINE BY TENDER leaders from within our local community as well as co-ordinate and plan SRC activities for 2014. Futuremat Espresso Coffee Machine – 2 group head, 2 wand. Stainless Mr Sargent-Wilson Steel in good condition. In good operating order

with 3 group handles. REMINDER TO ALL PARENTS/CARERS The staff car park is not to be used as a “drop off All enquiries: email the school attention: Cathy zone” for parents/carers during school hours. This is Smith HT TAS [email protected] a safety issue for all staff and students. for more information. Please do not park in the Emergency Access Area as this is reserved for the use of emergency vehicles only. Please do not park in the 2 car spaces marked P&C News with the Disabled symbol unless you have an authorised Disabled Parking Permit. We would JustSALE a friendly OF PHOTOCOPIERS reminder that the BY next TENDER P&C appreciate your cooperation in this matter. meeting will be held in the Library on Deal 1-Fuji Xerox ApeosPort-II 4000. Wednesday 26th at 7.30pm. P&C News 1 x photocopier. Printed 2.4 million copies. Black Just a friendly reminder that the next P&C Ifand you W havehite only any. Finisher, topics or15,000 questions staples. for 2x the meeting is on in the Library on Wednesday P&CWaste committee toner drum. to 1x discuss, Toner cartridge. please feel free th 26 February, 2014 at 7.30pm. toDeal come 2- along.Fuji Xerox All parents/carers ApeosPort -areII 4000 . welcome. If you have any topics or questions for the 1 x photocopier. Printed 1.4 million copies. Black and White only. Finisher, 10,000 staples. 1x P&C Committee, please come along and Waste toner drum. 1x Toner cartridge. have a chat. All parents are welcome. Please email the school at: KOREAN VISIT INFORMATION [email protected] with subject of “Photocopier Sale” for further details. Next Monday, 10 February 2014, we welcome 12 students and Mrs Seo from JeJu National University Middle School in Korea who are joining us for 10 days at our school. Each year we look forward to their visit WESTS NETBALL CLUB and hope that this year students from both schools will enjoy the experience. I would like to thank the REGISTRATION DAY students and families who are billeting students and recognise their support of this valuable whole school TH program. This is a great opportunity to broaden their SATURDAY 8 FEBRUARY 2014 horizons and share their lives with these students. Stay tuned for more news of our adventures in the WESTS ILLAWARRA LEAGUES next bulletin. CLUB Mrs Smith HT TAS AGES – 5 YEARS AND UP Homestay Coordinator

WESTS NETBALL CLUB

REGISTRATION DAY

SATURDAY 8TH FEBRUARY 2014

10.00AM – 2.00PM

WESTS ILLAWARRA LEAGUES CLUB

AGES – 5 YEARS AND UP

Figtree High School Gibsons Road, Figtree, 2525. Phone 42712787 Fax 42716626

Change of:

ADDRESS, PHONE NUMBERS, MOBILE NUMBERS, EMERGENCY CONTACTS

If you have had a change to any of the above, would you please write your new details below.

Return to the office as soon as possible so our information is up-to-date.

Thank you

Student’s Name